Gaming machine and gaming system

ABSTRACT

A gaming machine and a gaming system including the gaming machine are provided. The gaming machine comprises: a receiving unit which receives a game medium; a first lottery unit which conducts a lottery to select a winning combination; a display which displays a lottery result by the first lottery unit; and a first processor which operates to: determine whether or not the winning payout amount based on the lottery result by the first lottery unit is at least a minimum limit amount for tax liability based on a predetermined tax rate; and cause the display to display a first display part indicating the winning payout amount when it is determined that the winning payout amount is at least the minimum limit amount for tax liability.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefits of priorities from Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-226816 filed on Aug. 23, 2006, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a gaming machine and a gaming system comprising: the gaming machine and a server, and more specifically it relates to a gaming system that may pay out such a high amount that a tax payment may be necessary.

RELATED ART

Conventionally, there are many gaming machines that pay out game media such as medals and coins in responsive to a lottery result. For example, a card game machine in which card games such as poker and black jack are played as the card images are displayed, and a slot machine in which a plurality of kinds of symbols are displayed variably and stopped to appear along a pay line such that if the combination of symbols along the pay line coincides with a predetermined winning combination, some payout amount is paid out to the game player. In these gaming machines, the game player tends to expect a higher amount of payout in playing the game.

However, in some countries and regions where such gaming machines are installed, if a high amount of payout exceeding a certain standard amount (e.g., $1200) is provided to the game player, tax may be imposed on the payout amount with some tax rate (e.g., 30%). In such a case, the game player must conduct a predetermined procedure with respect to the tax payment. Then, the game player may calm down from the excitement of obtaining a large amount of payout during the tax payment procedure such that the degree of excitement may be lowered largely.

Japanese patent application publication Nos. 2005-168755 and 2005-192991 disclose gaming machines that may maintain the amusement by processing the tax payment procedure very quickly. According to the references, the tax payment may be executed between the gaming machine and the game player if the high amount of payout is won, which requires the tax payment. Therefore, it is possible to process it without waiting for the attendant of the game hall so as to prevent losing the amusement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Even though the process is expedited as disclosed in the above two references, it cannot avoid reducing the amusement to some degree. That is, the player may lose the interest toward the game if a completely different work intervenes during the game play.

Further, the payout amount that the game player may obtain is deeply affected around the reference payout amount, which is the upper limit of tax free payout amount.

For example, suppose the payout amount is $1200 or more, then 30% of tax rate is imposed to the payout amount. If the payout amount of $1199 is won, the game player actually gets $1199 and no tax payment is required while the payout amount of $1200 is won such that $360 is deducted from the $1200 and the player will get $840 net. Therefore, one dollar difference makes $359 difference in reality.

In addition to the tax payment procedure, such a difference is realized and the game player may have an inequality feeling so that the amusement of the game may be reduced a lot. In particular, if the payout amount a little bigger than the reference payout amount, this inequality feeling may become much stronger.

The present invention relates to a gaming machine and a gaming system comprising: the gaming machine and a server, in which a high amount of payout causing tax payment may occur based on a lottery result.

In the present invention, a gaming machine and a gaming system including the gaming machine are provided. The gaming machine comprises: a receiving unit which receives a game medium; a first lottery unit which conducts a lottery to select a winning combination; a display which displays a lottery result by the first lottery unit; and a first processor which operates to: determine whether or not the winning payout amount based on the lottery result by the first lottery unit is at least a minimum limit amount for tax liability based on a predetermined tax rate; and cause the display to display a first display part indicating the winning payout amount when it is determined that the winning payout amount is at least the minimum limit amount for tax liability.

The gaming system comprises: the gaming machine as described above and a server capable of communicating with the gaming machine. The server comprises: a second storage device which stores an accumulated amount to which a predetermined amount is cumulatively added for one game; a second lottery unit which conducts a lottery to determine whether or not the accumulated amount stored in the second storage device is to be paid out as the winning payout amount; and a second processor which operates to: transmit to the gaming machine an instruction to pay out the accumulated amount stored in the second storage device as the winning payout amount based on a lottery result by the second lottery unit.

Further features of the present invention, its nature, and various advantages will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following description of the preferred embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outer appearance of a slot machine according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing symbol arrays drawn on outer circumferences of respective reels.

FIG. 3A is a block diagram showing a control system of the slot machine according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3B is an enlarged partial block diagram showing a modified control system.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control system of the gaming system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of a main control program in the slot machine according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of a main game process program in the slot machine according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a table illustrating winning probability and payout rate for each winning combination in the slot machine according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of a server control program in the server according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of a slot game process program in the slot machine according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows an illustrative view (1) illustrating a display mode of the lower image display panel when a double-up game is executed.

FIG. 11 shows an illustrative view (2) illustrating a display mode of the lower image display panel when a double-up game is executed.

FIG. 12 shows an illustrative view (3) illustrating a display mode of the lower image display panel when a double-up game is executed.

FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of a payout amount selection process program in the slot machine according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 14 shows an illustrative view (1) illustrating a display mode of the lower image display panel when a payout amount selection process is conducted.

FIG. 15 shows an illustrative view (2) illustrating a display mode of the lower image display panel when a payout amount selection process is conducted.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following, an embodiment in which a gaming machine and a gaming system are embodied using a slot machine 1 according to the present invention is described in detail with reference to the drawings.

The slot machine 1 and a gaming system 105 according to the present embodiment is provided with a so-called progressive function to accumulate part (for example, 1% to 5%) of coins bet to a game for a JACKPOT, and to pay a high amount of payout at one time to a game player who plays the game with the slot machine 1 when a predetermined payout condition is satisfied. A plurality of slot machines 1 are individually connected to a server 100 to perform control of the JACKPOT, thereby constituting the gaming system 105 (refer to FIG. 4).

The gaming system 105 according to the present embodiment is assumed to be installed in a country or a region where the tax liability of an amount equivalent to 30% of an amount of payout is imposed when the amount of payout to be paid out at once reaches 1200 dollars or more. In addition, in the present embodiment, an amount to be actually paid out to the game player is referred to as a paid amount, and an amount to be paid based on the winning combination upon winning of it, although the amount itself still is not fixed, is referred to as the amount of payout.

First, a schematic configuration of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment is described in detail with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment.

The slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment comprises: a cabinet 2, a top box 3 placed in an upper part of the cabinet 2, and a main door 4 provided on the front face of the cabinet 2. Three reels 5L, 5C, and 5R are rotatably provided in the inside of the cabinet 2. An array of symbols (refer to FIG. 2) comprising 22 designs (hereinafter also referred to as symbols) are drawn on the outer circumferential surface of each of the reels 5L, 5C, and 5R.

A lower image display panel 6 is provided in front of each of the reels 5L, 5C, and 5R in the main door 4. The lower image display panel 6 is provided with a transparent liquid crystal panel on which various kinds of information, effect images, and the like relating to the game are displayed during the game play.

Further, a touch panel 11 is provided on the front surface of the lower image display panel 6 (refer to FIG. 3A), and the game player can operate the touch panel 11 to input various kinds of instructions. In this regard, an operation for a double-up game or the like to be described later is performed by operating a corresponding portion of the touch panel 11.

A credit number display part 8 and a payout number display part 9 are provided in the lower image display panel 6. A credit number currently owned by the game player is displayed on the credit number display part 8. The amount of payout to be paid out when a combination of symbols stopped and displayed statically along a pay line L matches a predetermined combination is displayed on the payout number display part 9 as a payout number.

Also, three display windows 10L, 10C, and 10R through which the back side can be visually recognized are formed in the lower image display panel 6, and three symbols drawn on each of the outer circumferential surfaces of the reels 5L, 5C, and 5R are displayed through each of the display windows 10L, 10C, and 10R. And, one pay line L which crosses horizontally the three display windows 10L, 10C, and 10R is formed on the lower image display panel 6. The pay line L defines the combination of symbols. Further, the amount of payout based on the combination of symbols and the bet credit number (bet number) is paid out when the combination of symbols stopped and displayed statically along the pay line L matches the predetermined combination.

A control panel 20 on which a plurality of buttons are arranged for the game player to input instructions related to a game progression, a coin receiving opening 21 through which a coin as a game medium is received and directed into the cabinet 2, and a bill validator 22 are provided below the lower image display panel 6.

A spin button 13, a change button 14, a CASHOUT button 15, a 1-BET button 16, and a MAX BET button 17 are provided on the control panel 20. The spin button 13 is operating means for inputting an instruction to start the rotation of reels 5L, 5C, and 5R. The change button 14 is operating means used when an attendant of a game hall is asked for exchanging money. The CASHOUT button 15 is operating means for inputting an instruction to pay out the number of coins corresponding to the credit number owned by the game player (one credit corresponds to one coin) from a coin payout opening 23 to a coin tray 24 or for paying out a ticket 25 with a bar code to be described later.

The 1-BET button 16 is operating means for the slot machine to receive an instruction to bet one credit on a game from among the number of credits owned by the game player. The MAX BET button 17 is operating means for the slot machine to receive an instruction to bet the maximum credit number on a game which can be bet for one game (50 of the credit number in the present embodiment) from among the number of credits owned by the game player.

A reverter 21S and a coin counter 21C (refer to FIG. 3A) are provided in the inside of the coin receiving opening 21. Then, the reverter 21S directs to the coin payout opening 23 what is other than the validated coins having been received into the coin receiving opening 21 and checked with the validity so as to discharge what is other than the validated coins. The coin counter 21C also detects received and validated coins to count the number of such coins.

The bill validator 22 checks the suitability of bills and receives authentic bills into the cabinet 2. Then, bills inserted into the cabinet 2 are converted into the number of coins, and the equivalent number of credits to the number of converted coins are added as credits owned by the game player. In addition, the bill validator 22 is configured to be capable of reading the ticket 25 with a bar code to be described later. A belly glass 26 on which characters and the like of the slot machine 1 are drawn is provided on the lower front face of the main door 4, that is, below the control panel 20.

In the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, coins, bills, or electronic valuable information (credit) equivalent thereto are used as game media. However, the game media applicable to the present invention are not limited thereto, but medals, tokens, electronic money, and tickets, for example, can be applied.

An upper image display panel 27 is provided on the front face of the top box 3. The upper image display panel 27 is provided with a liquid crystal panel which displays game information such as a currently accumulated amount of JACKPOT and a description of the game contents. A speaker 28 for outputting sounds is provided on the side face of the top box 3.

Further, a ticket printer 30, a card reader 31, a data indicator 32, and a keypad 33 are provided below the upper image display panel 27.

Here, the ticket printer 30 is a printing device for outputting the ticket 25 with a bar code and a receipt related to a tax payment to be described later. The ticket 25 with the bar code is a ticket having a bar code printed thereon in which data such as a credit number, date and time, and an identification number of the slot machine 1 is encoded. Then, the game player can play the game with another gaming machine by causing the other gaming machine to read the output ticket 25 with the bar code. The receipt can be used in a procedure at a prescribed place of the game hall.

The card reader 31 reads data from and writes data on a smart card. The smart card is a card owned by the game player, which, for example, stores data concerning the history of games having been played by the game player.

The data indicator 32 comprises: a fluorescent display or the like, which, for example, displays data read by the card reader 31 and data input by the game player via the keypad 33. The keypad 33 is used for inputting an instruction and data concerning a ticket issue and the like. Further, a lamp 35 is provided on the top face of the top box 3. The lamp 35 is turned on in a predetermined lighting mode to call an attendant or the like of the game hall for help when any error occurs in the slot machine 1 or the like.

Subsequently, based on FIG. 2, the symbols drawn on the outer circumferential surface of each of the reels 5L, 5C, and 5R, which are variably displayed via the display windows 10L, 10C, and 10R of the lower image display panel 6 as the screen is scrolled during the game, are described. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the arrays of symbols drawn on the outer circumferential surfaces of the respective reels 5L, 5C, and 5R.

On the outer circumferential surfaces of the left reel 5L, the middle reel 5C, and the right reel 5R, arrays having twenty two (22) symbols are drawn, respectively. Each array of symbols is formed by combining the symbols of “JACKPOT 7”, “BLUE 7”, “BELL”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM”, “ORANGE”, and “APPLE”. As shown in FIG. 2, prescribed kinds of symbols are arranged in a designated order on the respective reels 5L, 5C, and 5R.

When three symbols of “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM”, and “ORANGE” are stopped and displayed statically along the pay line L, a predetermined amount of payout is provided to the game player (refer to FIG. 7). As to “CHERRY” and “ORANGE”, even when one or two of the above symbols are stopped and displayed statically along the pay line, a predetermined amount of payout is provided to the game player according to the number of displayed symbols of the kind (refer to FIG. 7).

As mentioned above, the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with a so-called progressive function so as to accumulate part (for example, 1%) of the coins bet for each game for the JACKPOT such that a high amount of payout is paid at one time to the game player who plays the game with the slot machine 1 satisfying a predetermined payout condition.

In this regard, the winning combination of “JACKPOT 7” satisfies one of the predetermined payout conditions. Therefore, the amount so-far accumulated in the JACKPOT amount is paid out to the game player when three symbols of “JACKPOT 7” are stopped and displayed statically.

When the spin button 13 is pressed after a bet number is fixed by the operation of the 1-BET button 16 or the MAX BET button 17, arrays of symbols drawn on the respective reels 5L, 5C, and 5R as shown in FIG. 2 are displayed variably in a downwardly scrolling manner in the display windows 10L, 10C, and 10R with the rotation of the reels 5L, 5C, and 5R. Then, the arrays of symbols are stopped and displayed statically in the display windows 10L, 10C, and 10R when the reels 5L, 5C, and 5R come to a halt after a predetermined period of time elapses. Further, various kinds of winning combinations (refer to FIG. 8) are defined in advance based on respective combinations of symbols and when a combination of symbols corresponding to one of the winning combinations stops along the pay line L, the amount of payout corresponding to the stopped winning combination is provided to the game player.

Next, a configuration of the control system of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment is described based on FIG. 3A. FIG. 3A is a block diagram schematically showing the control system of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the control system of the slot machine 1 basically comprises: a mother board 40 and a gaming board 50.

First, the gaming board 50 is explained. The gaming board 50 is provided with a CPU 51, a ROM 55, and a boot ROM 52 connected to each other via an internal bus; a card slot 53S corresponding to a memory card 53; and an IC socket 54S corresponding to a GAL 54 (Generic Array Logic).

FIG. 3B shows a modified control system which can be applied to the present embodiment. A random number generator 241 is provided so as to be capable of communicating with the main CPU 41. The random number generator may be utilized for a lottery.

The memory card 53 is constituted of a non-volatile memory and is a recording medium in which game programs and a game system program (hereinafter referred to as the game program and the like) are recorded. The game programs recorded in the memory card 53 include a lottery program. This lottery program is a program for determining the symbols (respective code numbers corresponding to the symbols) of each of the reels 5L, 5C, and 5R stopped and displayed statically along the pay line L. Further, the lottery program includes symbol weighting data corresponding to each of a plurality of kinds of payout rates (for example, 80%, 84%, and 88%). The symbol weighting data indicates the correspondence relationship between the code number of each symbol (refer to FIG. 2) and one or more random number values belonging to a predetermined numeric value range (0 to 255) about each of the three reels 5L, 5C, and 5R. That is, one or more random number values are associated with the code number of one symbol, and when a random number is drawn by lottery, a symbol specified by the random number value is stopped and displayed statically.

The payout rate is defined based on payout rate setting data output from the GAL 54 and a lottery is performed based on the symbol weighting data corresponding to the payout rate.

The card slot 53S is configured such that the memory card can be inserted and removed and is connected to the mother board 40 via an IDE bus. Therefore, kinds and contents of the games to be played on the slot machine 1 can be changed by rewriting the game program or the like stored in the memory card 53. Or it is also possible to change the kinds and contents of the games to be played on the slot machine 1 by replacing the memory card 53 with another memory card 53 storing another game program or the like.

In addition, the game program includes a program related to the game progress, image data and sound data output during the game play, image data and sound data as data for notification, and the like.

The GAL 54 is a kind of a PLD (programmable logic device) having an OR-fixed type array structure. The GAL 54 is provided with a plurality of input ports and output ports, and when predetermined data is input into an input port, the GAL 54 outputs data corresponding to the data from an output port. The data output from this output port is the above-mentioned payout rate setting data.

The IC socket 54S is configured such that the GAL 54 can be inserted and removed, and is connected to the mother board 40 via a PCI bus. Therefore, the payout rate setting data output from the GAL 54 can be changed by rewriting the GAL 54 or replacing the GAL 54 itself.

The CPU 51, the ROM 55, and the boot ROM 52 mutually connected via the internal bus are connected to the mother board 40 via the PCI bus. The PCI bus transfers signals between the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50, and supplies power from the mother board 40 to the gaming board 50. The ROM 55 stores country identification information and an authentication program. The boot ROM 52 stores a preliminary authentication program, a program (boot code) for the CPU 51 to activate the preliminary authentication program and the like.

The authentication program is a program for authenticating the game program and the like (an alteration check program). The authentication program is described in accordance with the alteration check procedure of the game program and the like to be subjected to authentication loading process. The preliminary authentication program is a program for authenticating the authentication program, and is described in accordance with the alteration check procedure of the authentication program to be subjected to authentication process.

Subsequently, the mother board 40 is explained. The mother board 40 is formed using a commercially available general-purpose mother board (a printed wiring board on which the basic components of a personal computer are mounted), and is provided with a main CPU 41, a ROM 42, a RAM43, and a communication interface 44.

The ROM 42 comprises: a memory device such as a flash memory, and stores programs such as a BIOS executed by the main CPU 41 and permanent data. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU 41, an initialization process is applied to prescribed peripheral devices, and the loading process of the game program and the like stored in the memory card 53 is started via the gaming board 50.

The RAM 43 stores data and a program used when the main CPU 41 operates. The RAM 43 can also store a variety of information, for example various programs such as the authentication program and the game program and the like, a credit number currently owned by the game player, and the like read via the gaming board 50.

Further, the communication interface 44 is a communication device for performing communications with the server 100 (refer to FIG. 4) installed in the game hall via a communication line. According to the present embodiment, in the slot machine 1, the communication interface 44 is used when the lottery result in the base winning combination lottery process, bet information in main game process (S2) to be described later, and the like are transferred between the slot machine and the server 100.

A body PCB 60 and a door PCB 80 to be described later are individually connected to the mother board 40 via a USB. Further, a power supply unit 45 is connected to the mother board 40. When power is supplied from the power supply unit 45 to the mother board 40, the main CPU 41 of the mother board 40 is activated. Then, the power is supplied to the gaming board 50 via the PCI bus, and the CPU 51 is activated.

Instruments and devices which generate input signals for the main CPU 41, and instruments and devices in which operations thereof are controlled by control signals transmitted from the main CPU 41 are connected to the body PCB 60 and the door PCB 80. The main CPU 41 executes the game program and the like stored in the RAM 43 based on the input signals input into the main CPU 41. Then, the main CPU 41 executes a predetermined arithmetic process such that a calculation result is stored in the RAM 43 and each of the instruments and devices is controlled in the control process.

Further, the communication interface 44 is a communication device for performing communications with the server 100 (refer to FIG. 4) installed in the game hall via a communication line. According to the present embodiment, in the slot machine 1, the communication interface 44 is used when the lottery result in the base winning combination lottery process, bet information in main game process (S2) to be described later, and the like are transferred between the slot machine and the server 100.

The sub-CPU 61 controls the rotation and stop operation of the reels 5L, 5C, and 5R. A motor drive circuit 62 provided with an FPGA 63 (Field Programmable Gate Array) and a driver 64 is connected to the sub-CPU 61. The FPGA 63 is an electronic circuit such as a programmable LSI circuit, and functions as the control circuit of stepping motors 70L, 70C, and 70R. The driver 64 works as an amplifier circuit which amplifies pulses to be input into the stepping motors 70L, 70C, and 70R. The 1-2 phase excitation type of stepping motors 70L, 70C, and 70R for rotating the respective reels 5L, 5C, and 5R are connected to the motor drive circuit 62.

An index detection circuit 65 and a position change detection circuit 71 are connected to the sub-CPU 61. The index detection circuit 65 detects the positions (for example, reference points) of the reels 5L, 5C, and 5R during rotation, and detects the loss of synchronism of the reels 5L, 5C, and 5R.

The position change detection circuit 71 detects changes in positions of the stopped reels 5L, 5C, and 5R after the rotation of the reels 5L, 5C, and 5R is stopped. For example, the position change detection circuit 71 detects the changes in the rotational positions of the respective stopped reels 5L, 5C, and 5R when the game player forcibly changes the rotational positions of the reels to obtain a combination of symbols corresponding to one of the winning combinations although the combination of symbols is not supposed to serve as the winning mode in fact.

The hopper 66 is installed in the cabinet 2 and pays out a prescribed number of coins from the coin payout opening 23 to the coin tray 24 based on a control signal transmitted from the main CPU 41. The coin detector 67 is arranged in the inside of the coin payout opening 23, and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when the payout of the prescribed number of coins from the coin payout opening 23 is detected.

The graphic board 68 controls image displays on the upper image display panel 27 and the lower image display panel 6 based on control signals transmitted from the main CPU 41. For example, the credit number stored in the RAM 43 and owned by the game player is displayed on the credit number display part 8. Then, the number of credits to be paid out displayed on the payout number display part 9. When the double-up game process (S19) is performed, control is conducted so as to display relevant images (refer to FIGS. 10 to 12) on a double-up game screen.

Here, the graphic board 68 is provided with a VDP (Video Display Processor) which generates image data based on a control signal transmitted from the main CPU 41, a video RAM which temporarily stores the image data generated by the VDP, and the like. And image data used when the VDP generates the image data is included in the game program.

The bill validator 22 checks the suitability of bills and tickets 25 with the bar codes, and accepts authentic bills and authentic tickets 25 with the bar code into the cabinet 2. The bill validator 22 outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 based on the amount of the bills when the authentic bills are accepted. Further, the bill validator 22 outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 based on the number of coins recorded on the authentic tickets 25 with the bar codes.

Based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41, the ticket printer 30 prints, on a ticket, a bar code in which data such as the credit number stored in the RAM 43 is encoded, and outputs the ticket as a ticket with a bar code 25. And in the payout process (S20) to be described later, when an amount after tax is paid out, the ticket printer 30 outputs a receipt.

The card reader 31 reads data from the smart card, transmits the read data to the main CPU 41, or writes data in the smart card based on the control signal transmitted from the main CPU 41. The key switch 33S is provided in the keypad 33 and outputs a predetermined input signal to the main CPU 41 based on the operation of the keypad 33. The data indicator 32 displays the data read by the card reader 31 and data input from the keypad 33 based on the control signal transmitted from the main CPU 41.

On the other hand, the control panel 20, the reverter 21S, the coin counter 21C, and a CRT (cold cathode tube) 81 are connected to the door PCB 80. A spin switch 13S corresponding to the spin button 13, a change switch 14S corresponding to the change button 14, a CASHOUT switch 15S corresponding to the CASHOUT button 15, a 1-BET switch 16S corresponding to the 1-BET button 16, and a MAX BET switch 17S corresponding to the MAX BET button 17 are provided in the control panel 20. Each switch outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when a corresponding button is operated by the game player.

The coin counter 21C is provided in the inside of the coin receiving opening 21 and checks the suitability of coins inserted into the coin receiving opening 21 by the game player. Objects other than the authentic coins are discharged from the coin payout opening 23, and an input signal is output to the main CPU 41 when the authentic coin is detected.

The reverter 21S, which operates based on the control signal output from the main CPU 41, distributes coins validated as authentic coins by the coin counter 21C to a cashbox (not illustrated) or the hopper 66 in the slot machine 1. The cold cathode tube 81 is installed in the rear side of the lower image display panel 6 and the upper image display panel 27, is lit based on the control signal transmitted from the main CPU 41, and functions as a backlight.

Then, the slot machine 1 having the above-mentioned configuration is connected to the server 100 arranged in the game hall via the communication interface 44. That is, the plurality of slot machines 1 and the server 100 form one gaming system 105.

Here, the gaming system 105 and the server 100 forming the gaming system 105 are described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the gaming system 105.

As shown in FIG. 4, the gaming system 105 according to the present embodiment comprises: the plurality of slot machines 1 (for example, five sets) and the server 100 which manages the accumulated JACKPOT amounts of the slot machines 1. Then, each of the slot machines 1 having the above-mentioned configuration is connected to the server 100 via the communication interface 44 in a manner enabling a two-way communication.

On the other hand, the server 100 forming the gaming system 105 comprises: a server CPU 101, a server ROM 102, a server RAM 103, and a server communication device 104.

The server CPU 101 is a processing unit for executing various kinds of control programs stored in the server ROM 102 to perform predetermined arithmetic processing based on the programs. The server ROM 102 also stores a server control process program to be described later. Therefore, the server CPU 101 performs control relating to a lottery and a payout to which an accumulated JACKPOT amount is applied, by executing the server control processing program stored in the server ROM 102.

The server RAM 103 is a storage device for temporarily storing the result of an arithmetic operation when the program is executed by the server CPU 101. The accumulated JACKPOT amount storage area 103A is formed in the server RAM 103. The accumulated JACKPOT amount storage area 103A is a storage area storing the accumulated JACKPOT amount as 1% of the amount indicated by bet information is cumulatively saved and added when the bet information is received from the slot machine 1 constituting the gaming system 105. That is, the accumulated JACKPOT amount stored in the accumulated JACKPOT amount storage area 103A is paid out as an award to the game player who achieves a predetermined condition such as winning the above-mentioned “JACKPOT 7” combination.

And, the server communication device 104 is a communication device connected to the communication interface 44 of the slot machine 1 constituting the gaming system in a manner enabling a two-way communication.

Next, the main control program executed in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment is described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of the main control program.

It is assumed that the memory card 53 is already inserted in the card slot 53S of the gaming board 50 in the slot machine 1 and that the GAL 54 is already attached to the IC socket 54S.

First, when an electric power switch is turned on in the power supply unit 45 (application of power), the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50 are individually activated, and authentication read process (S1) is executed. In this authentication read process (S1), the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50 execute individually separate processes in parallel.

Specifically, in the gaming board 50, the CPU 51 reads the preliminary authentication program stored in the boot ROM 52 to perform a preliminary authentication for confirming and proving in advance that the authentication program is not altered before being loaded into the mother board 40 in accordance with the read preliminary authentication program.

On the other hand, in the mother board 40, the main CPU 41 executes the BIOS stored in the ROM 42 to decompress compressed data built into the BIOS onto the RAM 43, and executes the BIOS decompressed onto the RAM 43 to perform the diagnosis and initialization of various peripheral devices.

Then, the main CPU 41 reads the authentication program stored in the ROM 55 to execute authentication process for verifying and authenticating that the game program and the like stored in the memory card 53 inserted in the card slot 53S is not altered. After this authentication process is completed normally, the main CPU 41 writes the authenticated game program and the like in the RAM 43, and acquires the payout rate setting data and the country identification information.

After the above process, the main CPU 41 terminates the authentication read process (S1).

Next, in S2, the main CPU 41 reads sequentially the game program and the like authenticated in the authentication read process (S1) from the RAM 43 to execute the read program, and then executes the main game process. By executing this main game process (S2), the game in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment is performed. Then, the main game process (S2) is repeatedly executed as far as the power is supplied to the slot machine 1.

Next, the main game process program executed in the main game process (S2) is described based on FIG. 6. FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of the main game process program in the slot machine according to the present embodiment. Each program shown in the flowcharts of the following FIGS. 9, and 13 is stored in the ROM 42 and the RAM 43 provided in the slot machine 1, and executed by the main CPU 41.

When the main game process (S2) is started, the main CPU 41 performs a predetermined initial setting and executes a start acceptance process (S11) for setting the insertion of coins, a bet number for the pay line L, and the like. At this time, in the start acceptance processing, the insertion of coins and a bet operation using the 1-BET button 16 and the MAX BET button 17 are performed by the game player.

Then, in S12, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the spin button 13 is pressed. The determination whether or not the spin button 13 is pressed is made based on whether or not an input signal is received from the spin switch 13S.

When the spin button 13 is not pressed (S12: NO), the main CPU 41 returns to the start acceptance process (S11) again. An operation for correcting the bet number and the like is enabled at this time. On the other hand, when the spin button 13 is pressed (S12: YES), a bet number set to the pay line L based on the operations of the 1-BET button 16 and the MAX BET button 17 is subtracted from the credit number owned by the game player, and the resultant information is stored in the RAM 43 as bet information.

Subsequently, in S13, the main CPU 41 reads out the bet information from the RAM 43 and transmits the bet information to the server 100 via the communication interface 44. Here, the bet information transmitted from the slot machine 1 is used to calculate the accumulated JACKPOT amount in the server 100. With this respect, an explanation is made in detail later.

After the bet information is transmitted to the server 100, the main CPU 41 shifts the processing to S14.

In S14, the main CPU 41 executes a base winning combination lottery process. Specifically, the main CPU 41 selects a random number value corresponding to each of the three reels 5L, 5C, and 5R from a numeric value range of 0 to 255 by executing a random number generation program included in the lottery program stored in the RAM 43. Then, the main CPU 41 refers to the symbol weighting data corresponding to the payout rate setting data, and determines the code numbers of the respective reels 5L, 5C, and 5R (refer to FIG. 2) based on the selected three random number values. After storing the determined code numbers of the respective reels 5L, 5C, and 5R in the RAM 43, the main CPU 41 shifts to S15.

Here, since the code number of each of the reels 5L, 5C, and 5R corresponds to the code number of a symbol stopped and displayed statically along the pay line L, a winning combination in the game is determined when the main CPU 41 determines the code number of each of the reels 5L, 5C, and 5R. For example, when the code numbers of the reels 5L, 5C, and 5R are determined respectively as “00”, “00”, and “00”, the main CPU 41 determines the winning combination to be “JACKPOT 7”. Thus, a lottery of the base winning combination (refer to FIG. 7) is held by determining the code numbers of the respective reels 5L, 5C, and 5R.

In the present embodiment, an example is described in which one winning combination is determined from among a plurality of kinds of base winning combinations by determining a combination of symbols to be stopped and displayed statically. However, in the present invention, for example, one winning combination to be chosen from among the plurality of kinds of base winning combinations may be determined first by lottery, and then the combination of symbols to be stopped and displayed statically may be determined based on the above winning combination.

Here, the base winning combination and a payout thereof are described with reference to FIG. 7 in the case of playing the game using the reels 5L, 5C, and 5R on the slot machine 1. FIG. 7 is a table showing winning combinations and winning probabilities thereof, and payout thereof in the case of playing the game using the reels 5L, 5C, and 5R.

Here, the payout amount shown in FIG. 7 indicates the amount when the bet number is “1”. Therefore, if the bet number is “1”, the exact payout amount as shown in FIG. 7 is paid out, but if the bet number is equal to “2” or more, the amount obtained by multiplying the payout amount shown in FIG. 7 by the bet number is paid out.

The probability of winning each winning combination indicated in FIG. 7 shows a case where the payout rate is 88%. In addition, the probabilities of winning shown in the table indicates probabilities of winning respective winning combinations when each code number of each reel 5L, 5C, and 5R is determined based on the three random numbers in reference to the weighting data of symbols. That is, the random number value is not associated directly with each winning combination.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the probability of winning the winning combination of “JACKPOT 7” is 0.5%. When the winning combination of “JACKPOT 7” is won, three symbols of “JACKPOT 7” are stopped and displayed statically along the pay line, and the accumulated JACKPOT amount stored in the accumulated JACKPOT amount storage area 103A of the server 100 is paid out as an award.

And the probability of winning the winning combination of “BLUE 7” is 0.8%. When the winning combination of “BLUE 7” is won, three symbols of “BLUE 7” are stopped and displayed statically along the pay line, and the payout amount of ten (10) credits per one (1) bet is paid out as an award.

The probability of winning and the base payout amount are set for each winning combination as shown in FIG. 7 in the same manner. However, if a combination of symbols corresponding to none of the winning combinations shown in FIG. 7 is stopped and displayed statically, the stopped combination is a blank (or losing combination) and the standard payout amount based on the base winning combination is not provided.

Referring back to FIG. 6, the main game process (S2) is described. When the base winning combination lottery process (S14) is terminated and the processing is shifted to S15, the main CPU 41 transmits lottery result data indicating the lottery result of the base winning combination lottery process (S14) to the server 100 via the communication interface 44. This lottery result data is used in the server control process program to be described later. This point will be described later in detail.

After transmitting the lottery result data to the server 100, the main CPU 41 shifts the processing to S16.

Subsequently, in S16, the main CPU 41 executes a reel rotation control process. The reel rotation control process is processing of stopping the rotation of the reels 5L, 5C, and 5R such that the combination of symbols determined in the base winning combination lottery process (S14) is stopped and displayed statically along the pay line L after starting the rotation of all the reels 5L, 5C, and 5R. This processing is executed between the main CPU 41 and the sub-CPU 61.

Specifically, in the reel rotation control process (S16), the main CPU 41 transmits first a start signal indicating that the rotation of the reels is to be started, to the sub-CPU 61. Upon receiving the start signal, the sub-CPU 61 drives the stepping motors 70L, 70C, and 70R by using the motor drive circuit 62 and the driver 64 to start the rotation of the reels 5L, 5C, and 5R.

Then, after the transmission of the start signal, the main CPU 41 determines an effect mode (a mode in which an image is displayed on the lower image display panel 6 and the sound output from the speaker 28) for one game, and starts thus-determined effect mode with a determined effect pattern.

Then, when a prescribed stop timing to stop the rotation of the reels 5L, 5C, and 5R arrives, the main CPU 41 transmits the code numbers of the reels stored in the RAM 43 to the sub-CPU 61. The sub-CPU 61 executes a reel stop process based on the code numbers of the reels. Thereby, the symbols corresponding to the lottery result are stopped and displayed statically along the pay line L in the respective display windows 10L, 10C, and 10R.

Then, in S17, the main CPU 41 receives the JACKPOT winning signal transmitted from the server 100 via the communication interface 44.

When the winning combination of “JACKPOT 7” is won in the base winning combination lottery process (S14), or when winning is obtained in JACKPOT lottery process (S103) to be described later, this JACKPOT winning signal is transmitted to the winning slot machine 1. Therefore, the slot machine 1 corresponding to either of the above two conditions receives the JACKPOT winning signal for providing the game player, as an award, the accumulated JACKPOT amount at the time of winning which is stored in a storage area of the accumulated JACKPOT amount storage area 103A corresponding to the relevant condition.

Slot machines 1 corresponding to neither of the two conditions do not receive the JACKPOT winning signal, and the program shifts to S18.

In S18, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not there is the payment of payout in the slot machine 1. Therefore, when the JACKPOT winning signal is received, or when the base winning combination is won (S18: YES), the main CPU 41 shifts the processing to S19. On the other hand, when the JACKPOT winning signal is not received and the base winning combination is not realized (S18: NO), the main game process (S2) is terminated in that condition.

Shifting to S19, the main CPU 41 executes the double-up game process. In the double-up game according to the present embodiment, an alternative type of game is played using the total amount of payout to be paid out to the game player. Specifically, the double-up game of guessing the color of the mark of a card is played. That is, the game player selects “BLACK” or “RED” to guess whether the mark of a card image 90 displayed on the lower image display panel 6 is red (diamond or heart) or black (spade or club). The game is configured such that the amount of payout is doubled when the selection of the game player coincides with the color of the mark of the card image, but the amount of payout becomes 0 in the case of discordance.

Therefore, an opportunity to obtain a high payout amount is provided to the game player by executing the double-up game process (S19). For example, even when the base winning combination of a low payout amount is won, a case of winning the high payout amount may arise by executing the double-up game.

Since this double-up game process (S19) will be described later in detail with reference to the drawings, the description thereof is omitted here.

In S20, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the payout amount is equal to or more than an amount for tax liability (hereinafter referred to as the minimum amount for tax liability) for a payout amount when the payout amount is paid.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, a tax rate of 30% is applied to the payout amount when the payout amount is 1200 dollars or more. Accordingly, the minimum amount (lower limit) for tax liability is “1200 dollars”.

Therefore, it is determined in S20 whether or not the payout amount is 1200 dollars or more.

When the payout amount stored in the RAM 43 is 1200 dollars or more (S20: YES), the main CPU 41 shifts to S21 to execute the payout amount selection process. On the other hand, when the payout amount is less than 1200 dollars (S20: NO), the main CPU 41 directly shifts to the payout process (S22).

In S21, the main CPU 41 executes the payout amount selection process of causing the game player to select either of two kinds of payout amounts. Specifically, the two kinds of payout amounts are displayed on the lower image display panel 6, and the processing of causing the game player to select a payout amount is executed by causing the game player to select one of the payout amounts by using the touch panel 11. Since this payout amount selection process (S21) will be described later in detail with reference to the drawings, the description thereof is omitted here.

When the game player selects one of the payout amounts through the payout amount selection process (S21), the main CPU 41 stores the selected amount in the RAM 43 as the payout amount, and shift the processing to S22.

In S22, the main CPU41 fixes the amount of payout at the time of shifting to S22 as the amount to be paid, and executes the payout process of paying the amount to be paid (S22). At this time, it is possible to pay the equivalent number of coins to the credit number (one credit corresponds to one coin) by the depression of the CASHOUT button 15, and also possible to pay out the award by the ticket 25 with the bar code.

In S20, when it is determined that the payout amount is less than 1200 dollars (the minimum amount for tax liability) (S20: NO) and the processing is shifted to the payout process (S22), the amount of payout is directly paid to the game player as the payout amount.

Also, when an amount after tax is paid in the payout process (S45), a receipt is printed by the ticket printer 30. Thus, when the receipt is brought to a prescribed place in the game hall, the attendant of the game hall can judge the presence or absence of tax payment in the game player, and tax payment procedures (for example, the signature of the game player and the like) for a plurality of times can be collectively made after completion of the game. As a result, a loss of amusement caused by the tax payment procedures can be prevented during game execution, and the game player can sufficiently enjoy the game.

Next, the server control process program related to the server 100 forming the gaming system 105 according to the present embodiment is described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of the server control process program.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the server control process program is started, the server CPU 101 determines whether or not the bet information is received from the slot machine 1 forming the gaming system 105.

As mentioned above, the slot machine 1 transmits the bet information in this game (S13) when the start acceptance process (S11) is finished and the spin button 13 is pressed. That is, the server CPU 101 determines in S101 whether or not the bet information transmitted from the slot machine 1 in S13 is received. When the bet information is received (S101: YES), an amount for the specified proportion (for example, 1%) of an amount indicated by the received bet information is added to the accumulated amount in the accumulated JACKPOT amount storage area 103A (S102). On the other hand, when the bet information is not received (S101: NO), the processing shifts to S104 in that condition.

After the amount of a predetermined proportion of the bet information is added to the accumulated JACKPOT amount (S102), the server CPU 101 executes the JACKPOT lottery process (S103) to determine by lottery whether or not the accumulated JACKPOT amount is to be paid out as an award. One random number value is selected from among a numeric value range of 0 to 511 by executing the random number generation program stored in the server ROM 102. Then, a lottery result in the JACKPOT lottery is determined based on a lottery table stored in the server ROM 102. After storing the lottery result of the JACKPOT lottery process (S103) in the RAM 43, the server CPU 101 shifts the processing to S104.

Specifically, in a case where “0” or “1” is selected as the random number value generated by the random number generation program, winning is achieved in the JACKPOT lottery process (S103), and the accumulated JACKPOT amount is provided to the relevant slot machine 1 as the payout. On the other hand, in a case where the other random number value is selected, the lottery result is a blank (or losing combination) in the lottery of the JACKPOT lottery process (S103). The winning probability of this JACKPOT lottery process (S103) is approximately 0.4%.

Then, in S104, the server CPU 101 determines whether or not the lottery result data of the base winning combination lottery process (S14) from the slot machine 1 is received. When the lottery result data is not received (S104: NO), the server CPU 101 returns the processing to S101 in that condition. On the other hand, when the lottery result data is received (S104: YES), the server CPU 101 shifts the processing to S105.

In S105, the server CPU 101 determines the winning of JACKPOT for which the accumulated JACKPOT amount is provided as the payout. Here, there are two cases corresponding to the winning of JACKPOT, that is, a case of winning the combination of “JACKPOT 7” in the base winning combination lottery process (S14) of the slot machine 1, and a case of winning the JACKPOT lottery process (S103) of the server 100.

When a case corresponds to either of the two cases and is the winning of JACKPOT (S105: YES), the server CPU 101 reads the JACKPOT accumulated amount from the JACKPOT accumulated amount storage area 103A, and transmits the JACKPOT winning signal indicating the face value of the JACKPOT accumulated amount, and the winning of JACKPOT to the slot machine 1 winning the JACKPOT (S106). Then, after transmitting the JACKPOT winning signal, the server CPU 101 resets the accumulated JACKPOT amount stored in the accumulated JACKPOT amount storage area 103A to “0” (S107). After resetting the accumulated JACKPOT amount of the accumulated JACKPOT amount storage area 103A, the server CPU 101 returns the processing to On the other hand, when the JACKPOT is not won (S105: NO), the server CPU 101 returns the processing to S101 in that condition.

Thus, in the gaming system 105 according to the present embodiment, whenever one game is played on the slot machine 1 forming the gaming system 105, the amount for the specified proportion of the bet number used on the slot machine 1 is accumulated in the accumulated JACKPOT amount storage area 103A as the accumulated JACKPOT amount, which is provided to the game player who wins the JACKPOT as the payout. That is, it is possible to cause the game player to have great expectations for participating in a high amount of payout. Since the high amount of payout can be obtained when winning is gained in the combination of “JACKPOT 7” in the base winning combination lottery process (S14), and the JACKPOT lottery process (S103), it is possible to cause the game player to have greater expectations. Also, each of the base winning combination lottery process (S14) and the JACKPOT lottery process (S103) is an independent lottery. Accordingly, even if the base winning combination lottery process (S14) is a blank, the high amount of payout can be received if the JACKPOT lottery process (S103) is won. Therefore, it is possible to provide a surprise and excitement of an unexpected high amount of payout to the game player. Further, the game player can receive the payout of the accumulated JACKPOT amount corresponding to the lottery result of the base winning combination lottery process (S22 and S53) and the JACKPOT lottery process (S104) in both of the slot game process (S14) and the free game process (S19). Therefore, the opportunity to acquire the high amount of payout increases, and great expectations can be provided to the game player who expects the high amount of payout.

Next, the double-up game process program executed in the double-up game process (S19) of the main game processing (S2) in the slot machine 1 is described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of the double-up game process program, and FIGS. 10 to 12 are explanatory diagrams of display modes of the lower image display panel 6 during the double-up game process execution.

Shifting to the base double-up game process (S19) in either the case where the JACKPOT winning signal is received or the case where the base winning combination is won (S18: YES), the main CPU 41 reads the accumulated JACKPOT amount or the payout amount related to the base winning combination indicated by the JACKPOT winning signal (S31).

Then, in S32, the main CPU 41 displays the double-up game screen on the lower image display panel 6. Here, a display mode of the lower image display panel 6 during the double-up game execution is described in detail with reference to FIG. 10.

As shown in FIG. 10, during the double-up game execution, the card image 90, selection display parts 91 showing two kinds of alternatives of “RED” and “BLACK”, a payout amount display part 92 showing a current amount of payout, and a post-game payout display part 93 displaying a target amount of the double-up game, a winning amount of payout when guessing the mark color of the card is successful, and a losing amount of payout when guessing the mark color of the card is failed, are displayed on the lower image display panel 6.

For example, in a case shown in FIG. 10, a current amount of payout is 500 dollars, and 500 dollars is displayed on the payout amount display part 92. Then, 500 dollars as a target amount, 1000 dollars as a winning amount of payout, and 0 dollar as a losing amount of payout are displayed on the post-game payout display part 93. At the time of S32, the back face of the card image 90 is displayed from which the mark of the card cannot be visually recognized.

After displaying the double-up game screen as shown in FIG. 10 on the lower image display panel 6, the main CPU 41 shifts the processing to S33.

In S33, the main CPU 41 determines the mark of the obverse side of the card image 90 by lottery. In this lottery process (S33), predetermined random number value ranges are set to four kinds of marks of “spade”, “diamond”, “club”, and “heart”, respectively, in a random number value range of 0 to 255, and the mark to be displayed on the obverse side of the card image 90 is determined by determining one random number value by using the random number generation program.

After determining the mark to be displayed on the obverse side of the card image 90 and storing the lottery result in the RAM 43, the main CPU 41 shifts the processing to S34.

Shifting to S34, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the game player selects either “RED” or “BLACK” by operating the selection display part 91 of either “RED” or “BLACK”. Specifically, the main CPU 41 makes the determination based on whether or not a portion corresponding to the selection display part 91 of the touch panel 11 is pressed by the game player.

When the game player does not operate the selection display part 91 (S34: NO), the main CPU 41 holds the processing until the game player operates the selection display part 91. On the other hand, when the selection display part 91 is operated by the game player (S34: YES), the main CPU 41 stores a selected result based on the operated selection display part 91 in the RAM 43, and then shifts to S35.

In S35, the main CPU 41 displays the mark corresponding to the lottery result on the card image 90 to notify the lottery result to the game player, and reads the lottery result and the selected result from the RAM to determine whether or not the selected result of the game player coincides with the mark color of the lottery result. When the mark color of the selected result coincides with the lottery result (S35: YES), since the selection of the game player is right, the main CPU 41 performs display indicating that the amount of payout is doubled (refer to FIG. 11), and sets an amount obtained by doubling the current target amount as the amount of payout (S36). The main CPU 41 shifts the processing to S38 after S36.

On the other hand, when the mark color of the selected result of the game player does not coincide with the lottery result (S35: NO), the current payout amount is set to “0” (S37). That is, the main CPU 41 sets the current payout amount to “0” and then terminates the double-up game process (S19).

Subsequently, in S38, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not to continue the double-up game. That is, the main CPU 41 first displays, on the lower image display panel 6, a continuation selection display 98 asking whether or not to continue the double-up game (refer to FIG. 12).

As shown in FIG. 12, an alternative indicating the continuation or the termination of the double-up game is displayed on the continuation selection display 98, and an input signal is transmitted to the main CPU 41 when the game player operates the touch panel 11 of a desired alternative portion. The main CPU 41 determines a selected result related to the continuation of the double-up game based on the input signal from the touch panel 11. When the game player makes a selection of wishing the continuation of the double-up game (S38: YES), the processing is returned to S31. In this case, in the next double-up game, the double-up game is played in which a target amount is the amount of payout at this point of time (that is, the amount of payout doubled in S36). On the other hand, when the game player makes a selection of wishing the termination of the double-up game (S38: NO), the main CPU 41 stores the payout amount at the present time in the RAM 43 as the amount to be paid (S39), and terminates the double-up game process (S19).

Next, the payout amount selection process program executed in the payout amount selection process (S21) of the main game process (S2) in the slot machine 1 is described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of the payout amount selection process program. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a display mode of the lower image display panel 6 in executing the payout amount selection process.

When the amount of payout after termination of the double-up game process (S19) is equal to or more than the minimum amount for tax liability (1200 dollars) (S20: YES), the main CPU 41 shifts to the payout amount selection process (S21), and starts to execute the payout amount selection process program.

When the payout amount selection process program is started, the main CPU 41 first calculates the amount after tax according to a predetermined tax rate (for example, 30%) (hereinafter referred to as the payout amount after tax) based on the payout amount at the time of shifting to the payout amount selection process (S21).

For example, when the amount of payout at the time of shifting to the payout amount selection process (S21) is “1500 dollars”, 450 dollars (30% of 1500 dollars) are collected as a tax, and the payout amount after tax becomes 1050 dollars.

The main CPU 41 calculates the payout amount after tax based on the amount to be paid, stores the calculated payout amount after tax in the RAM 43, and then shifts the processing to S42.

In S42, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the payout amount based on the standard payout amount is equal to or less than the minimum amount for tax liability (hereinafter referred to as the target upper limit amount) even when a tax for the payout amount is deducted.

In the present embodiment, since the tax payment of 30% of the face value of the payout amount is obliged if the payout amount is 1200 dollars or more, the target upper limit amount is “1714 dollars” (“target upper limit amount”=“minimum amount for tax liability”÷“100%−(tax rate)”).

When the amount of payout is 1714 dollars or less (S4-2: YES), the main CPU 41 shifts the processing to S43. On the other hand, when the amount of payout is greater than 1714 dollars (S42: NO), the main CPU 41 shifts the processing to S45.

In S43 to which the processing is shifted when the amount of payout is equal to or less than the target upper limit amount (1714 dollars), the main CPU 41 displays a payout amount selection screen on the lower image display panel 6.

Here, the payout amount selection screen displayed on the lower image display panel 6 is described in detail with reference to FIG. 15.

As shown in FIG. 14, the payout amount selection screen comprises: a payout amount display part 92 for displaying the amount of payout at the time of shifting to the payout amount selection process (S21); a first alternative display part 96 for displaying an alternative payout amount with the amount after tax; a second alternative display part 97 for displaying an alternative of the above-mentioned “special payout amount”; and a message display part 95 for displaying a message for urging the game player to select any one among the first alternative display part 96 and the second alternative display part 97.

The amount of payout at the time of shifting to the payout amount selection process (S21) and the amount after tax related to the payout amount are displayed on the first alternative display part 96. On the other hand, a tax free limit (1199 dollars) is displayed on the second alternative display part 97.

Specifically, when the amount of payout at the time of shifting to the payout amount selection process is “1500 dollars”, “1500 dollars” which is the above-mentioned amount of payout calculated based on the standard payout amount, and “1050 dollars” which is the amount after tax for “1500 dollars” are displayed on the first alternative display part 96. Then, “1199 dollars” which is the tax free limit is displayed on the second alternative display part 97 in this case.

Thus, since the payout amount (the amount to be paid) is displayed as the result of selecting the payout amount on both of the first alternative display part 96 and the second alternative display part 97, the game player can select the payout amount on his or her own free will.

After displaying the payout amount selection screen on the lower image display panel 6, the main CPU 41 shifts the processing to S44.

In S44, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the first alternative display part 96 is operated. Specifically, the main CPU 41 holds the processing until an input signal is received from the touch panel 11. When the input signal is received, the main CPU 41 executes the above processing based on whether the input signal is transmitted from the touch panel 11 corresponding to the first alternative display part 96, or transmitted from the touch panel 11 corresponding to the second alternative display part 97.

When the input signal from the touch panel 11 relates to the first alternative display part 96 (S44: YES), the main CPU 41 sets the amount after tax (the tax is deducted from the amount) as the amount to be paid out (S45). After setting the amount after tax, the main CPU 41 terminates the payout amount selection process (S21).

In this regard, when it is determined that the amount of payout is greater than the target upper limit amount and shifts to S45 in S42, the main CPU 41 shifts the processing to S45 without selecting the paid amount, and the amount after tax is set to the amount to be paid.

Thus, in the payout process (S22) after the payout amount selection process (S21), the payout amount after tax (tax payment is made against the payout amount). In this case, since the payout is performed with the face value calculated by deducting the portion of the tax for the amount of payout, a receipt indicating that the tax is paid is printed from the ticket printer 30.

Therefore, by bringing this receipt to a prescribed place in a game hall, it is possible to judge whether or not the tax is paid, and it becomes unnecessary to go through a disparate procedure of tax payment during the game on the slot machine 1 for a long time. As a result, the game player can perform the tax payment procedure at arbitrary timing, and a game player's amusement is not damped by the tax payment procedure, and accordingly, the game player sufficiently savors the fascinating aspect of the slot machine 1.

On the other hand, in S44, when the input signal from the touch panel 11 is related to the second alternative display part 97 (S44: NO), the tax free limit (1199 dollars) displayed on the second alternative display part 97 is set to the payout amount (S46). After setting the tax free limit to the amount to be paid out, the main CPU 41 terminates the payout amount selection process (S21).

In this case, the tax free limit which is a smaller amount as compared to the amount of payout based on the winning combination is paid to the game player in the payout process (S21). When the tax free limit is paid to the game player, the amount actually paid to the game player is less than the minimum amount for tax liability, and there is no obligation to pay the tax. Therefore, it is not necessary to go through the tax payment procedure. As a result, since the disparate procedure of tax payment is not performed during the game execution, the fascinating aspect related to the game is not lost, and the game player can sufficiently savor the amusement of the slot machine 1.

And since the game player may select by the player's own selection the payout amount the player actually obtain in the payout amount selection process (S21), it is possible to relieve the player's feelings of inequality based on the different payout amounts. For example, in the case as shown in FIG. 14, the payout amount based on the winning combination is “1500 dollars”. However, the player can select on the player's will the payout amount by choosing any one among the first alternative display part 96 and the second alternative display part 97 such that the game player's feelings of inequality can be relieved.

Further, it is possible that at least the tax free limit is made the payout amount by selecting in the payout amount selection process (S21) although the amount is lower that the payout amount based on the winning combination. That is, there exists inequality feeling that the payout amount, which is higher than the tax fee upper limit, becomes lower than the upper limit of the tax free amount because of the tax payment. However, the game player can make a selection in the payout amount selection process (S21) such that the game player can keep at least the same amount as the upper limit of the tax free amount. Therefore, the inequality feeling may be relieved.

In the above-mentioned payout amount selection screen, the amount of payout at the time of shifting to the payout amount selection process and the amount after tax related to the amount of payout are displayed on the first alternative display part 96 (refer to FIG. 14). However, as shown in FIG. 15, it is also possible to display only the amount after tax related to the amount of payout at the time of shifting to the payout amount selection process on the first alternative display part 96. In this case, the paid amount (the amount to be paid) as the result of selecting any one among the first alternative display part 96 and the second alternative display part 97 can be clearly grasped by visually confirming the payout amount selection screen.

As described above, in the gaming system 105 according to the present embodiment, the bet information is transmitted to the server 100 whenever a game is played on the slot machine 1 (S13), and one (1)% of the bet information is cumulatively added to the accumulated JACKPOT amount stored in the accumulated JACKPOT amount storage area 103A (S103). Then, when the winning combination of “JACKPOT 7” is won in the base winning combination lottery process (S14) of the slot machine 1, or when the JACKPOT lottery process (S103) of the server 100 is won, the accumulated JACKPOT amount stored in the accumulated JACKPOT amount storage area 103A is provided as the amount of payout to the winning slot machine 1. Accordingly, the opportunity for the high amount of payout may be provided to the game player, and a sense of expectancy for the high amount of payout can be provided to the game player.

When the amount of payout is provided as the results of the base winning combination lottery process (S14) and the JACKPOT lottery process (S103), the double-up game process (S19) is executed, and the opportunity for taking the high amount of payout is further provided. Accordingly, even in the case of winning the base winning combination with a low payout, or in the case the accumulated JACKPOT amount is small, the opportunity for taking a high amount of payout can be provided to the game player, and the amusement related to the game can be improved.

Then, when the amount of payout reaches the minimum amount for tax liability or more after executing the double-up game, the payout amount can be selected, in the payout amount selection process (S21), from either the “amount after tax related to the amount of payout” or the “tax free limit” by operating any one of the first alternative display part 96 and the second alternative display part 97.

That is, since the game player can select the paid amount on his or her own free will, it is possible to relieve the feelings of inequality of the game player in the state where the game player can receive only a payout equal to or less than the minimum amount for tax liability as the result of tax payment for the amount to be paid although the game player wins the amount of payout equal to or more than the minimum amount for tax liability.

When the “amount after tax related to the amount of payout” is paid as the amount to be paid in the payout process (S22) as the result of the payout amount selection process (S21), the amount after tax from which the tax due based on the amount of payout is already collected is paid, and the receipt related to the tax payment is printed from the ticket printer 30. Therefore, it becomes unnecessary to do the tax payment procedure during game execution. As a result, since a disparate work of tax payment procedure does not intervene in the game, the loss of the amusement related to the slot machine 1 can be prevented.

On the other hand, according to the selection of the second alternative display part 97, when “the upper limit amount for tax free” is paid in the payout process (S22), the tax payment itself is not necessary since the amount to be paid is the upper limit amount for tax free. Thus, the game player can savor the fascinating aspect of the game while maintaining excitement caused by obtaining the high amount of payout without spoiling fun by doing the disparate work of tax payment procedure. Since at least the payout of the tax free limit can be received by the game player's own selection, the game player's feelings of inequality can be relieved.

The present invention is not limited to the above examples, and as a matter of course, various improvements and modifications can be made within the scope without departing from the scope of the present invention.

For example, in the present embodiment, the gaming system 105 is formed of the plurality of slot machines 1 and the server 100. However, the gaming machine used for the gaming system 105 is not limited to the gaming machine of the present embodiment, and for example, it is also possible to use card gaming machines for poker, blackjack, and the like.

The scale of the gaming system 105 is not limited to a scale in a game store, and for example, it is also possible to form the gaming system 105 of slot machines 1 installed in a plurality of stores in a certain area and a server 100.

Further, in the gaming system 105 according to the present embodiment, the JACKPOT lottery process (S103) is executed in the server 100 as a lottery independent of the base winning combination lottery process (S14). However, this may be executed in the slot machine 1, and it is also possible to provide the accumulated JACKPOT amount based on only the lottery result of the base winning combination lottery process (S14) without executing the JACKPOT lottery process (S103) concerned.

Then, in the gaming system related to the present embodiment, in the case of the amount of payout which requires the tax payment, the face value after collecting the tax for the amount of payout is paid as the amount to be paid, and the receipt is printed with the ticket printer 30. However, the present invention is not limited to this mode, and it is also possible to adopt a configuration allowing the game player to do the tax payment procedure. Although the tax payment procedure in this case is preferably a procedure to be promptly completed, it is also possible to call an attendant of the game hall to directly do the tax payment procedure, and also possible to do the tax payment procedure to the slot machine 1 (for example, refer to Japanese published unexamined application No. 2005-168755).

Further, in the present embodiment, the winning amount of payout and the amount after tax related to the amount of payout are displayed on the first alternative display part 96, and the tax free limit is displayed on the second alternative display part 97. However, in addition to this, it is also possible to provide a balance amount display part for displaying a balance amount with the amount of payout on each of the first alternative display part 96 and the second alternative display part 97. In this case, the balance amount between the amount of tax paid payout and the amount of payout is displayed on the balance amount display part of the first alternative display part 96, and the balance amount between the tax free limit and the amount of payout is displayed on the balance amount display part of the second alternative display part 97. Thereby, the game player can intuitively grasp how many gains can be obtained when the game player selects one of the balance amount as the paid amount.

It is also possible to constantly perform the display in the balance amount display part in the payout amount selection process (S21), or to start the display according to a predetermined operation (for example, input from the button or the touch panel).

Further, a gaming machine and a game system as described below may be provided in accordance with the present invention.

A gaming machine (e.g., slot machine 1) comprises: a receiving unit (e.g., coin counter 21C, reverter 21S, and so on); a first lottery unit (e.g., main CPU 41, random number generator, and so on) which conducts a lottery to select a winning combination; a display (e.g., lower image display panel 6) which displays a lottery result by the first lottery unit; an processor which operates to determine whether or not a winning payout amount determined based on the lottery result by the first lottery unit is equal to or more than a minimum limit amount for tax liability that causes obligation to pay tax at a predetermined tax rate (e.g., main CPU 41, S20); enable the display to display a first display part (e.g., first alternative display part 96) indicating the winning payout amount when it is determined that the winning payout amount is equal to or more than the minimum limit amount for tax liability; enable the display to display a second display part (e.g., second alternative display part 97) indicating a tax free limit amount that is less than the minimum limit amount for tax liability when it is determined that the wining payout amount is equal to or more than the minimum limit amount for tax liability. The first processor operates to enable the display to display the first display part and the second display part for an alternative selection (e.g., main CPU 41, S44), and set a payout amount corresponding to the selected display part (e.g., main CPU 41, S45, S46).

Also, the first processor of the gaming machine (e.g., slot machine 1) operates to cause the display to display a payout amount after tax in the first display part that is an amount given by subtracting the tax amount from the winning payout amount when it is determined that the winning payout amount is equal to or more than the minimum limit amount for tax liability (e.g., main CPU 41, S43).

The first processor of the gaming machine (slot machine 1) as described operates to cause the display to display an payout amount after tax in the first display part in replacement of the winning payout amount when it is determined that the winning payout amount is equal to or more than the minimum limit amount for tax liability (e.g., main CPU 41, S43).

The gaming machine as described above may comprise a payout device (e.g., main CPU 41, ticket printer 30, hopper 66, and so on) which pays the winning payout amount based on the lottery result by the first lottery unit.

Also, a gaming system (e.g., gaming system 105) comprises: the gaming machine (e.g., slot machine 1) as described above; a server (e.g., server 100) connected to the gaming machine in a two-way communication manner. The server comprises a second storage device (e.g., server CPU 101, accumulated JACKPOT amount storage area 103A, S102), in which an accumulated amount is stored, such that a predetermined proportion of bet game media for each game is cumulatively added. The server comprises a second processor that operates to conduct a lottery to determine whether or not the accumulated payout amount is to be paid out, and transmit an instruction to pay the accumulated payout amount based on the lottery result (e.g., server CPU 101, S106).

In the above described gaming machine, the game media received by the receiving unit is used to display the lottery result on the display. At this time, it is determined whether the winning payout amount is not less than the minimum limit for tax liability determined based on the lottery result.

And when the winning payout amount is not less than the minimum limit for tax liability, the first display part showing the winning payout amount and the second display part showing the tax free limit amount are displayed and it is possible to select any one of the first display part and the second display part. Based on the selection by the game player, an amount corresponding to the selected display part is set as a payout amount to be paid.

In this way, the game player winning the face amount more than the minimum limit for the tax liability can select the amount displayed in one of the first display part and the second display part. That is, the game player can select either payout amount from two kinds of payout amounts such that it is possible to lower the inequality feeling among the game players because of the tax payment.

Also, when the second display part is selected, the tax payment is not necessary so that the tax payment procedure does not intervene the game play. That is, the game execution is not interrupted and it is possible to prevent the game player from losing the desire to continue to play the game.

Also, in the gaming system, when the standard accumulated payout amount is more than the minimum limit for the tax liability, the first processor can cause the display to display the payout amount after tax in the first display part.

As a result, since the game player can recognize the amount after tax, it is possible for the game player to select what he wishes.

In the gaming machine as described above, when it is determined that the winning payout amount is not less than the minimum limit for tax liability, the winning payout amount being displayed in the first display part is replaced with a payout amount after tax.

Thus, the game player can grasp the payout amount after tax before selection. In this occasion, only the payout amount after tax may be displayed in the first display part, no confusion occurs in the face amount (value). As a result, it is surely possible to grasp the amount that is obtained when the first display part is selected such that the game player can surely make his own selection as he wishes at the time of selection.

In the gaming system, comprising: the gaming machine as described above and a server connected with the gaming machine in a two-way communication manner.

And in the gaming system, the accumulated amount to which a predetermined amount is cumulatively added is set for each game with the gaming machine constituting the gaming system.

As a result, the game player may have an opportunity to obtain higher payout amount such that the player's expectation may be enhanced to increase the player's desire toward the gaming system. 

1. A gaming machine comprising: a receiving unit which receives a game medium; a first lottery unit which conducts a lottery to select a winning combination; a display which displays a lottery result by the first lottery unit; and a first processor which operates to: determine whether or not a winning payout amount based on the lottery result by the first lottery unit is at least a minimum limit amount for tax liability based on a predetermined tax rate; and cause the display to display a first display part indicating the winning payout amount when it is determined that the winning payout amount is at least the minimum limit amount for tax liability.
 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1 wherein the first processor operates to cause the display to display a second display part indicating a tax free limit amount that is less than the minimum limit amount for tax liability when it is determined that the winning payout amount is at least the minimum limit amount for tax liability.
 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2 wherein the first processor operates to set, as a payout amount, an amount corresponding to a selected display part based on an alternative selection from the first display part and the second display part displayed by the display.
 4. The gaming machine according to claim.3 wherein the first processor operates to cause the display to display the set payout amount.
 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1 wherein the first processor operates to cause the display to display a payout amount after tax which is an amount given by subtracting a tax amount from the winning payout amount in the first display part when it is determined that the winning payout amount is at least the minimum limit amount for tax liability.
 6. The gaming machine according to claim 1 wherein the first processor operates to cause the display to display, in the first display part, a payout amount after tax which is an amount given by subtracting a tax amount from the winning payout amount in replacement of the winning payout amount when it is determined that the winning payout amount is at least the minimum limit amount for tax liability.
 7. The gaming machine according to claim 1 further comprising: a first storage device which stores at least the minimum limit amount for tax liability.
 8. The gaming machine according to claim 1 further comprising: a payout device which pays out the winning payout amount based on the lottery result by the first lottery unit.
 9. A gaming system comprising: a gaming machine and a server capable of communicating with the gaming machine, wherein the gaming machine comprises: a receiving unit which receives a game medium; a first lottery unit which conducts a lottery to select a winning combination; a display which displays a lottery result by the first lottery unit; and a first processor which operates to: determine whether or not a winning payout amount based on the lottery result by the first lottery unit is at least a minimum limit amount for tax liability based on a predetermined tax rate; and cause the display to display a first display part indicating the winning payout amount when it is determined that the winning payout amount is at least the minimum limit amount for tax liability, and wherein the server comprises: a second storage device which stores an accumulated amount to which a predetermined amount is cumulatively added for one game; a second lottery unit which conducts a lottery to determine whether or not the accumulated amount stored in the second storage device is to be paid out as the winning payout amount; and a second processor which operates to: transmit to the gaming machine an instruction to pay out the accumulated amount stored in the second storage device as the winning payout amount based on a lottery result by the second lottery unit.
 10. The gaming system according to claim 9 wherein the first processor operates to cause the display to display a second display part indicating a tax free limit amount that is less than the minimum limit amount for tax liability when it is determined that the winning payout amount is at least the minimum limit amount for tax liability.
 11. The gaming system according to claim 10 wherein the first processor operates to set, as a payout amount, an amount corresponding to a selected display part based on an alternative selection from the first display part and the second display part displayed by the display.
 12. The gaming system according to claim 11 wherein the first processor operates to cause the display to display the set payout amount.
 13. The gaming system according to claim 9 wherein the first processor operates to cause the display to display a payout amount after tax which is an amount given by subtracting a tax amount from the winning payout amount in the first display part when it is determined that the winning payout amount is at least the minimum limit amount for tax liability.
 14. The gaming system according to claim 9 wherein the first processor operates to cause the display to display, in the first display part, a payout amount after tax which is an amount given by subtracting a tax amount from the winning payout amount in replacement of the winning payout amount when it is determined that the winning payout amount is at least the minimum limit amount for tax liability.
 15. The gaming system according to claim 9 wherein the gaming machine further comprises: a first storage device which stores at least the minimum limit amount for tax liability.
 16. The gaming system according to claim 9 wherein the second processor operates to: enable the server to receive bet information of the gaming machine in association with identification information of the gaming machine; enable the second storage device to store at least two kinds of accumulated amounts to which at least two kinds of predetermined amounts are cumulatively added; enable the server to transmit, to gaming machine, an accumulated amount corresponding to a Jackpot that is won in the gaming machine; and enable the second storage device to initialize all accumulated amounts.
 17. The gaming system according to claim 9 wherein the gaming machine comprises: a payout device which pays out the winning payout amount based on the lottery result by the first lottery unit. 